The advice hub Duck Viral Enteritis

Duck viral enteritis (Duck Plague) is a viral infection of ducks and geese. The virus is often spread from wild waterfowl via contaminated water and rapidly infects domestic flocks. Even if a bird recovers it will shed the virus for life as it will remain a carrier.

What to look out for

• Sudden death often in April-June (Due to migration of wild birds)
• Wing walking
• Runny nose and eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Bloody diarrhoea

Diagnosis

Your vet can make a diagnosis on post mortem.

Treatment

Your vet may prescribe antibiotics

Provide TLC and Chicken Vet Multivitamins.

Prevention

Try to keep wild waterfowl away where possible.

Only buy ducks and geese from reputable suppliers as apparently normal birds may be silent carriers.

A vaccine is available in parts of the world but not in the UK.